Suede shoes are beautiful, but they can be tricky to keep clean. If you’re unsure how to care for your favorite pair, you’re not alone! With the right steps, cleaning suede can be easy and effective. This guide will walk you through every step to help you restore and maintain your suede shoes, so they look fresh and stylish for years to come. Let’s get started!
Understanding Suede: What Makes It Different?
Suede is a soft, textured material that’s made from the inner part of animal hides, usually cow or goat. It’s known for its velvety feel and sophisticated look. However, because suede has a softer texture, it’s more delicate than regular leather. It can get dirty quickly and is vulnerable to water, stains, and dirt, which means it needs special care when cleaning.
To truly understand how to clean suede shoes, you need to know a little about how suede behaves. Suede fibers are more porous than regular leather, which means they can easily absorb dirt, oils, and moisture. This makes it especially important to act quickly when your shoes get dirty or stained.
When cleaning suede, the goal is to avoid damaging the fabric, while effectively removing dirt, stains, and scuffs. Suede cleaning is often about gentle handling, the right tools, and a little patience. Now, let’s dive into the steps for keeping your suede shoes in top shape.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Suede Shoes Like a Pro
Cleaning suede shoes doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. In fact, you can usually get by with just a few basic tools that you likely already have at home. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you clean your suede shoes properly without causing damage.
Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
Before you start cleaning your suede shoes, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. You don’t need anything too expensive or hard to find, but using the right items will make the process easier and safer for your shoes. Here’s a list of essential tools:
- Suede brush: This is the most important tool. It helps remove dirt and debris without damaging the soft texture of the suede.
- Suede eraser: A rubber-like eraser is perfect for removing stains and marks. It works wonders on small stains, like watermarks or dirt spots.
- White cloth or paper towel: You’ll need this for blotting any stains or moisture.
- Suede protector spray: After cleaning, applying a suede protector will help prevent future stains and water damage.
- Mild soap or suede cleaner (optional): If your shoes are particularly dirty, a mild suede cleaner can help. Make sure it’s designed specifically for suede to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt and Dust
Before you start deep cleaning, you need to get rid of any loose dirt or dust from your shoes. The best way to do this is by using a suede brush. Gently brush the surface of your shoes to lift dirt from the fibers. Brush in one direction, not back and forth, to avoid damaging the suede.
It’s important to be gentle while brushing. Pressing too hard can push dirt deeper into the fabric, making it harder to clean later on. A soft, light touch will lift dust and dirt without causing any harm.
Step 3: Deal with Stains and Spots
After removing loose dirt, you may notice some stains or spots on your suede shoes. Don’t panic! There are easy ways to get rid of them. For small stains, a suede eraser is your best friend. Gently rub the eraser over the stain in a circular motion until the mark disappears.
For stubborn stains, such as grease or oil, you can use a small amount of mild soap diluted with water. Dampen a cloth with the solution, blot the stain gently, and then dry with a clean, dry cloth. Never soak the suede, as water can damage it. Always blot, don’t rub!
Step 4: Drying Suede Shoes
After cleaning your shoes, it’s crucial to let them dry properly. Never place suede shoes near direct heat, like a radiator or a hairdryer, as this can cause the material to shrink or crack. Instead, let them air dry at room temperature.
If your shoes got wet during cleaning, stuff them with crumpled paper towels or a shoe tree to help them maintain their shape while they dry. The paper towels also help absorb moisture. Avoid using regular newspaper, as the ink could stain your shoes.
Step 5: Restoring the Texture
Once your shoes are completely dry, you may notice that the suede has lost some of its softness or texture. To restore it, simply use your suede brush again. Brush gently in one direction to lift the fibers and bring back that velvety feel.
If your shoes still look a little flat after brushing, try using a steam method. Hold the shoes above a pot of boiling water for a few seconds to let the steam soften the fibers, then brush them again. Be careful not to let the shoes get too wet!
Step 6: Apply a Suede Protector
After cleaning and restoring the texture, it’s a good idea to apply a suede protector. This will help prevent future stains and water damage, making it easier to keep your shoes looking clean. Simply spray a light coating of the protector over your shoes, holding the bottle about 6–8 inches away. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.
Suede protectors form a barrier that repels water, dirt, and stains, making your shoes much easier to clean in the future. It’s always a good idea to reapply the protector every few months, especially if you wear your suede shoes regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Suede Shoes
While cleaning suede shoes is easy once you know the right steps, there are some common mistakes people make that can cause more harm than good. Let’s go over a few things to avoid.
Don’t Use Water to Clean Suede Shoes
Water can be harmful to suede, especially if it’s not dried properly. When suede gets wet, it can become stiff, lose its texture, and even develop water stains. Always avoid soaking suede shoes in water. If they do get wet, make sure to dry them carefully and use a suede brush to restore the texture once they are completely dry.
Avoid Using Regular Shoe Cleaners
Not all shoe cleaners are suitable for suede. Regular shoe cleaners, especially those designed for leather, can damage the delicate surface of suede. Always use products specifically designed for suede, including cleaners, erasers, and protectors.
Don’t Rub Stains Aggressively
If you encounter a stain, resist the urge to rub it aggressively. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove. Instead, gently blot the stain with a cloth or eraser, and always try to work from the outer edges toward the center to prevent spreading.
Don’t Expose Suede Shoes to Direct Heat
Suede is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Direct heat can cause the material to shrink, crack, or lose its soft texture. Never place your suede shoes in a dryer, near a radiator, or under direct sunlight to dry. Let them air dry at room temperature, and use paper towels or a shoe tree to help them keep their shape.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning suede shoes may seem tricky at first, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily keep them looking fresh and stylish. With a little care, your suede shoes can last for years, staying soft and elegant through all kinds of weather. Good luck, and happy cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to clean suede shoes with soap and water?
It is not recommended to clean suede shoes with soap and water, as this can damage the material. If you need to use soap, make sure it’s a mild cleaner designed for suede.
Can I use a regular eraser to remove stains from my suede shoes?
No, a regular eraser can damage the delicate texture of suede. It’s best to use a special suede eraser designed to remove stains gently without harming the material.
Do I need to apply a suede protector after cleaning my shoes?
Yes, applying a suede protector after cleaning is a good idea. It helps prevent future stains and water damage, keeping your shoes looking fresh for longer.
Is it okay to use a hairdryer to dry my suede shoes?
No, you should avoid using a hairdryer or any direct heat source to dry suede shoes. This can cause the material to shrink or crack. Let them air dry at room temperature instead.
Can I clean heavily stained suede shoes at home?
You can clean moderately stained suede shoes at home, but if the stains are severe, it may be best to take them to a professional cleaner to avoid further damage.
Do I need to brush my suede shoes every time I wear them?
It’s a good idea to brush your suede shoes occasionally, especially if they’ve been exposed to dirt or moisture. Regular brushing helps maintain the texture and keep your shoes looking fresh.
Is it okay to wear suede shoes in the rain?
Suede shoes are not ideal for wet conditions, as water can damage the material. If you must wear them in the rain, apply a waterproof suede protector beforehand to reduce the risk of water stains.
Can I use a steam iron to clean my suede shoes?
While steam can help restore the texture of suede, it’s important to use caution. Hold your shoes above steam (but not too close), and always follow up with gentle brushing to avoid damaging them.